Methanol Passed Off as Whiskey Kills Man

DEL CITY, Okla. — One of four people hospitalized after drinking a toxic substance represented to be moonshine whiskey died Friday, and police arrested a 19-year-old man on a second-degree murder complaint.

Timothy Scott Tilson, 23, died at Midwest City Memorial Hospital, where he had been in critical condition since drinking a solution of 50% water and 50% methanol at a party Monday night, police said.

Methanol, also known as wood alcohol and commonly used as a car fuel and as a liquid for copying machines, can lead to fatal liver and kidney problems if consumed. It can also cause blindness.

An estimated 10-20 people, ages 16 to 23, attended the party where the methanol was served, police said.